Barbara Britt Rivers, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully at the age of 93, surrounded by her children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl William Britt and Alice Walker Britt; her sister, Mary Alice Bobbitt; and her devoted husband of 61 years, James C. Rivers.
Barbara is survived by her children James C Rivers Jr (Michelle) of Mooresville NC, Ellen R Hayslett (Randy) and Amy R Griggs (Darryl), both of Rock Hill, SC. She was a proud grandmother to Alex Hayslett, Emily Ziemke (Mike), Whitney Griggs, James C Rivers III (Taylor), Sarah Tucker (Colton), and Andrew Griggs (Kathryn), and a great-grandmother to Catherine, Emma, Amelia, Annie and Brooks. She is also survived by her sister Miriam Benyus (Zolton) of Nantucket MA, sister-in-law Frances Rivers of Hartsville, SC and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was born on April 25, 1931 in Charleston, SC, where she lived for 16 years. She cherished her memories of Charleston and loved sharing stories about her time there. She moved to Durham, NC with her family in 1947 and graduated from Durham High School in 1949, becoming part of the pioneering class that completed 12 years of schooling. Barbara attended The Woman’s College of The University of North Carolina in Greensboro. She moved in 1955 to Columbia, SC, where she met her husband Jim at a USO dance in September of 1956. They were married in August of 1957. She worked for Southern Bell in Columbia before leaving her position in 1960 to dedicate herself fully to her family. Her nurturing spirit and dedication to her children and grandchildren earned her the affectionate title of “Barbara.”
Barbara was known for her unwavering commitment to staying connected with family and friends, writing letters (with impeccable penmanship) to keep in touch and maintain close relationships, including sending out over 100 cards with handwritten notes every Christmas. This thoughtful practice is a testament to her devotion to her loved ones.
A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Rock Hill for 53 years, Barbara actively served her church as a Sunday School group leader, Vacation Bible School teacher, member of the Joy Choir, and a visitor to homebound members. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her every action and interaction.
Barbara had a deep love for the simple pleasures in life, including trips to Springmaid Beach and the North Carolina mountains, watching the Andy Griffith Show, eating ice cream, playing the piano, and joyfully rocking and singing to babies. She also spent many summers alongside Jim running their backyard blueberry farm, where they made lasting friendships with their customers.
Barbara’s family and friends will forever cherish their memories of her soft southern drawl, her gracious manner, her gentle wit and wisdom, and her faithful lovingkindness.
A service for Mrs. Barbara will take place Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11am at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel 2133 Ebenezer Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732. Family will receive friends immediately after the service.
Mrs. Rivers service will be available for anyone to view via livestream on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11am EST at https://www.greenefuneralhome.net/covid-19-procedure/
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church 481 Hood Center Drive Rock Hill SC 29730 in Barbara’s honor.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net